For the 2020 model year, Jeep has added the Gladiator back into the mix. A Jeep pickup truck is not necessarily something new for Jeep but one hasn't been seen in the lineup for almost 25 years. So how does something so highly anticipated stack up to the competition? Let's take a look. The Gladiator's biggest competitors are expected to be the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. Of the four, the Gladiator is the only one to be offered with 4x4 specs as the standard. With that notation, keep in mind that the following comparisons will be between the similar specs of the competition.
Let's start by taking a look at our main feature here- the Jeep Gladiator. It comes in one body style with two different engine options- gas and diesel. At launch, we will see a V6 gasoline engine with the diesel being released shortly after. The ride height of the Gladiator is light years higher than its competitors boasting a maximum ride height of 11.1inches. The towing capacity for the Gladiator is 150 lbs more than its closest competitor at 7,650lbs with a max payload of 1,600 lbs. The Gladiator boasts a ground clearance of 10" with the Gladiator Rubicon boasting 11.1inches. It comes with 4 different trim options- the Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon. This truck offers the segment's only removable soft top, fold down windshield. Overall, the Gladiator holds its ground amongst competitors and is expected to make big waves in the pickup truck segment. The technology of the Gladiator brings a starting infotainment screen size of 7" complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making it safe for drivers to stay in contact while on the road. In addition, the Gladiator will also come with Jeep's standard Uconnect system, giving drivers another way to stay safe and and connected. The Ride quality of the Jeep Gladiator will be assisted by Jeep's own five link could suspension front and rear. Currently Jeep is the only midsize truck to offer this type of suspension.
Gladiator vs. Chevy Colorado
Taking a look at the Chevy Colorado, it stacks up nicely next to the Gladiator as far as a 4x4 pick-up truck. It offers 3 different body styles, 2 gasoline engine options, and of course, a diesel. The ground clearance on the Colorado is a solid 8.3 inches. The Colorado also offers 4 trim options-the WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2 with both a crew and extended cab. The Max payload for the Colorado is 1548 lbs with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. The Chevy Colorado like the Gladiator has an infotainment screen size of 7-inches, also standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger joins the pack with a single engine option and 3 trim levels including the XL, XLT, and Lariat. Its cab is available in a supercab and supercrew. The engine is a 2.3L Ecoboost. The Ranger's max payload is a solid 1,860 lbs with a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. Its ground clearance is 8.9inches. The Ranger is a formidable competitor as Ford has always held their own in the pickup truck segment.
Gladiator vs. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier has two solid engine options including an I4 and a V6 with two different body styles. It comes in 4 available trim levels including the S, SV, Desert Runner, and Pro-4X. It's optioned with both a crew and king cab option. The frontier is complete with a 5-inch infotainment screen and does not come equipped with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Gladiator vs. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has two different body style options and two different gasoline engine options- a 4 cylinder and V6. It comes with the most available trim levels, 6 total- including the SR, SRS, TRD-Off-road, TRD Pro, and the Limited. It also comes with an access or double cab option.